Beiersdorf is committed to protecting human rights. We do not tolerate any form of forced or compulsory labor in direct or indirect association with our activities. For our suppliers, we have developed a Supplier Code of Conduct which sets out harmonized and binding criteria for responsible action. This is designed to ensure that our suppliers meet the same standards in the area of sustainability that are binding for us. The Code covers issues such as corruption and human rights as well as environmental protection. We have developed an appropriate system with which we can monitor our suppliers' compliance with the Code of Conduct and regulate how we deal with deviations.
Our suppliers are required to accept Beiersdorf’s Supplier Code of Conduct and must agree to comply with all laws and regulations applicable to the supply of the service or material. Beiersdorf continues to develop its auditing process to ensure the principles of the Supplier Code of Conduct are upheld. As part of this development process Beiersdorf works with third party auditors. Our audit procedure follows the Sedex Members Ethical Trade Audit (SMETA) methodology. More information about SMETA can be found at Sedex Global Website.
Beiersdorf also participates in data exchanges, such as Sedex that assist its members in sharing ethical information such as audit reports, and information on business practices so that members can better assess the risk and quality of a potential or current supplier. We also identify suppliers in high risk countries according to the risk country rating provided by BSCI (BSCI Website). Risk country ratings are determined by the Human Development Index of the United Nations and the Corruption Perceptions Index of Transparency International, in addition to the field experience of sourcing companies.
Our Supply Chain Management is trained on Beiersdorf’s Supplier Code of Conduct. Moreover, all employees are also required to comply with Beiersdorf Employee Code of Conduct and all employees participate in training on the company’s Employee Code of Conduct, which includes training on proper workplace conduct, ethical decision making, and upholding laws and regulations. Any violation of the code may result in consequences ranging from disciplinary action to termination.
Beiersdorf recognizes and supports the efforts of the California Transparency in Supply Chains Act of 2010. The purpose of The California Transparency in Supply Chains Act is to provide customers and businesses with information on what efforts a company undertakes to prevent human trafficking and slavery within their supply chain. Beiersdorf’s Supplier Code of Conduct stresses that the service of an employee must be given willingly. Beiersdorf does not tolerate any form of child labor, forced labor, or human trafficking. Use of physical punishment, mental or physical duress, or verbal abuse is prohibited. Any report of a human rights violation will be promptly investigated.